Bicyclists are at an increased risk of getting seriously hurt in a crash. Learn how you can avoid an accident while you’re cycling.
In Southern California and Arizona, we are luckier than most — while most of the country is heading into cold weather, we have the advantage of moderate weather and sunny skies throughout fall and winter. With our fantastic weather, we can spend our free time outdoors — and our commutes, too!
Biking is a fantastic way to get and stay in shape, and a great method of getting to work. Cycling to work and around town can cut down on your transportation costs, reduce your impact on the environment, and keep you healthy. But with all of the advantages of cycling comes some risks. The number of people killed in bike accidents continues to grow, even with better safety equipment and dedicated bike lanes in many areas. We have more bikes on the road than ever before — and more cars, trucks and buses as well. This puts cyclists at an increased danger of being involved in an accident — with a vehicle, a pedestrian, or even on a patch of rough pavement. Taking some basic safety precautions can help you guard against these accidents — and reduce your risk of a serious injury.
The most important thing that bicyclists can do to avoid accidents is to obey the rules of the road. While it may be tempting to get ahead of traffic by weaving through cars or hopping up onto a sidewalk, doing so can have disastrous results. Check out state and local rules and regulations on bikes — and follow them!
Bikers should also be aware of their surroundings and pay close attention at all times. Don’t wear headphones while biking, and be sure to keep your phone tucked away. Being able to hear other vehicles and warning signals like honking horns can make the difference between avoiding an accident and being seriously hurt. It also is incredibly important to watch the road for imperfections; a pothole or other road damage can lead to a major wreck. Paying attention to the road and other drivers may help you avoid these types of accidents.
If you’re riding a bike, you should also buy and wear safety equipment — such as a helmet and reflective gear. Consider straps to keep your pant legs clear of the gear, and don’t forget emergency supplies like tools to fix a flat tire and a bottle of water. Finally, avoid taking drugs or using alcohol before riding a bike. While it may seem like common sense, a surprising number of people don’t see the same problem with drunk biking as they do with drunk driving. While the potential to hurt others may be lower, you are putting yourself at great risk if you drink alcohol before getting on a bike.
By taking these basic precautions, you can decrease the likelihood of being in an accident. But if you are hurt in a collision, you must contact a seasoned bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney will investigate the facts of your case, making sure that all potentially responsible parties are brought into the suit, and that your claim is aggressively litigated to get the best possible result. In Southern California and Arizona, contact the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker. We offer free initial consultations, and we never charge a fee unless we get money for you! Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule an appointment with one of our highly experienced bike accident attorneys.
